Hi Pat. Continuing to keep mom and dad up to date on your progress. Good luck the rest of the way.

John, Jane, Donny, David, Julia

Pat,

I did make it back to Columbia last week. Was able to spend a couple days at Myrtle Beach, that was a lot of fun. The weather was beautiful. I got to see everyone for at least a while. We ate one night at San Jose, I really miss that restaurant. I might try to make it back to Columbia for Memorial weekend. I definitely would make it if you were going to be back.
I guess you already know that Ottawa is in the Stanley Cup Finals, and that Jeff Gordon is still dominating. San Antonio is playing Utah in the Western Conference finals, and Detroit is playing Cleveland in the East. Both the series start tonight.
Good luck and best wishes go out to you. Stay safe.

Larry Paulson

Hi Pat

Sending you lots of encouragement and support from Pennsylvania as always. Sitting tight at Camp 2 must be a bit discouraging and mind-numbing at times, especially with reports of so many summits on the South daily. I pray God will grant you patience and calm as you wait for your chance. You are so close to your dream, Pat! When the call comes to head up, go for it with all gusto.

What is life like there at Camp 2 just waiting? How do you pass the time, spend the daylight hours? Do you chat with any others at Camp 2, or perhaps not due to fear of catching an illness from someone you've not been around much? I know Paul Adler is in Camp 2 right now as well. And Terry Schuck is in Camp 3 right now (it's about 2 PM here in PA, so it's just past midnight there on the mountain). Terry and his Sherpa will leave for the South Col early Monday morning (probably about 5 hours from right now), then will probably leave for the Summit around 10 PM Monday night, hoping to Summit as the sun rises Tuesday morning. If all goes well, Paul will summit Wednesday morning, and you will summit Thursday morning.

Now THAT sounds like a plan, Pat! 3 days, 3 summits for those I know on the mountain. That would make my day!

Best wishes to you, Pat, and many prayers for your health and safety and success. Remember what the legenday Ed Viesturs said : "Getting to the top is optional, getting down is mandatory."

God bless you, Pat!
Mark R in Lancaster, Pennsylvania US

Hi Pat, I we had 2 days in Yellowstone and I just found a computer at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody. I can't believe you all are headed to the Summit!!!!! Oh my gosh I am so excited for you! Please BE CAREFUL and climb safely. I left your name on the prayer list at a tiny chapel in the Tetons. I will pray for you as well, but I know the mountain will be kind to you! Enjoy the destination! I am proud of you!

Take great care Pat and I'll check in again as soon as the opportunity arises!

Sandra

Pat, we are so very proud of you. take care and we are cheering for you big time this week. The weather here is lovely but still very dry. We have many pretty flowers and singing birds reminding me of the marvelous glories of the world from SC to Mt. Everest. Have a good rest and be safe. Thank you for your efforts to raise awareness of the needs for Nursing Education. Ruth Seigler, MN,RN College of Nursing at USC.

Hey Pat,
Glad you have a new schedule mapped out. If you have to wait one more day, it is nice that you are at Camp 2 with a heated mess tent. I will try to scope out astrology for your venture to Camp 3, 4 and summit. I am thinking the stars should be nice and clear with a smiling moon right now. The 1st quarter moon should be back around the time of your summit. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for you safety.
Bonnie

Here is another update regarding what lies ahead. I am sure you know what to expect, but this helped me visualize what you are facing:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/everest/climb/waytosummitsou.html
The Lhotse Face (repeat from yesterday - coincides with your picture on today's post): The expansive western flank of Lhotse is called the Lhotse Face and is an unavoidable part of the traditional southeast route up Everest. Camp III sits about halfway up this ascending wall of glacial blue ice. From its bergshrund (base) to the top, the Lhotse Face rises some 3,700 feet, at 40 and 50-degree pitches with some occasional 80-degree bulges. The entire route is fixed with ropes, and climbers must get into the rhythmic movement of pulling and stepping up. Kicking steps, while lodging one's front points into the hard blue ice, is the predominant movement required for this unrelenting ascent up towards the South Col.

The Yellow Band
The sedimentary sandstone rock of the Yellow Band is a distinctive feature of the Lhotse Face which requires about 100 meters of rope to traverse it. This is the first rock a climber touches on the route up Everest. It becomes very obvious when one has reached this point in the climb -- one's crampons hit hard rock. The top of the yellow band is at 25,000 feet.

The Geneva Spur
Named by a Swiss expedition in 1952, the Geneva Spur is an anvil-shaped black rib of rock fixed with ropes so climbers can scramble up its steep snow-covered surface. The spur starts at about 24,000 feet. It is the last major hurdle before reaching the last camp on Everest.

The South Col
The site of the high camp, also known as Camp IV, this rock-strewn wind-swept saddle between Everest and Lhotse lies at 26,000 feet. Col is a Welsh word for saddle or pass. This location was named by the British Reconnaissance Expedition of 1921 which viewed it from a vantage point some seven miles away. Currently used by all expeditions as the high camp, it is still a demanding 3000-foot climb from here to the summit. Discarded expedition equipment litters the football field-sized area used for camp. At this elevation, all expedition and Sherpa members sleep with a low flow of oxygen except those wishing to attempt the summit "gas free." Fierce jet stream winds can demolish an uninhabited tent here in minutes so the expeditions do not erect their tents until they arrive.

Pat,

Sorry to be out of contact, but our computer service has crashed on us for several days now. Glad that Liz was able to get the flag to you on time. I'm on call at MMC for two straight weeks now--great fun! I am going on a two week motorcycle ride starting June 1st, so please don't plan Kiko's during that time--if you do though, let me know, because I'll still match that for the scholarship fund. Really enjoy the pictures! Keep safe, and enjoy the rest of your great adventure!

Ron Schlimmer

Hi Pat!!!
I have been praying for a safe journey for you. It is so amazing that you are sharing this wonderful adventure with all of us here. Seeing your pictures and reading your post is such a highlight in my day. I was at church today talking about your trip and there were several people that knew about your climb. I live 40 miles out of Columbia and I was under the impression that the small town people do not keep up with what is going on in the outside world...but I guess they proved me wrong. One of the ladies said she knew you from the hospital. She said that you seem to always be up for an adventure! :) I told her about the Summit Scholarship and that she could donate for the cause. So I guess we will see. Good Luck!!!!
Jessica
CON

pat and team.hope you have all recouperated well .the extra day at c2 should hold you in good stead for the'' big'' climbs coming up.the weather for the 24th. looks good[ wind 10 -25kph.] with a change to higher winds late friday increasing saturday.------ great photo of lohtse and the geneva spur!! sure looks steep.keep that big v8'' motor ''of yours topped up with high octane' fuel' ,select low gear and you'll be at camp 3 before you can say ''jeff gordon''.all the best ,good health ,good climbing!!! [ken.nz]

You are so close now. It must be so exciting for you! We are excited for you too & eagerly look for the updates that say you are another step closer.

I had a good tennis match with Carol today. We had another long battle as usual.

Take care & step carefully!

Deb, Kristen & Danielle

K- here's the deal! Although Bonnie (D) & I get to scream 'go pat, go pat' with each other at on a regular basis, I have to tell you this is all still STARTLING to Me! Although I know this is the last of your SEVEN summits, I guess I'm just used to seeing you climb mountians in the caricatures at HQ's! I have to admit, I don't know which part of this is more exciting; Your climbing Mt. Everst or the Beutiful love story you and Carol share! BUT at any rate, I'm here cheering for BOTH! Lil'G & I checked out Vensus's close encounter w/the moon & we sent you prayers this weekend. And if I may ask, what (astrological) sign are U? I would NEVER ask for a birthdate 'we all know that you remember when Mobey Dick was a minoe'..?''''! (just joking) GO PAT, GO PAT, Goooooo PAT!! Lot's O LUV, your scorpio cheerleader, rose :)

Hi Mike...You wanted to know when my accommodation was sorted so I thought I would let you know that I have heard from Iswari and he is going to have me picked up at Kathmandu airport and he is arranging acc for me....I have managed to change my flight and will now be arriving in Kathmandu on the 29th....can't wait to see you...you are the last thought when I go to bed and the first when I wake up..be careful babe, I love you...

Hey Pat! If you have ever read the book GO DOG GO, my cheer for you is the same! Hang in there and Go Pat Go!

Hi Pat...anxiously following your progress! I read that the 18 yo female climber completing her 7 summits was in one of your groups. I also read with interest about Appa Sherpa who recently completed his (own) record breaking 17th summit! He was also raising funds for the education of children of Nepalese mountain guides.
Stay safe!
John Quinn